‘Getting Back Into the Swing of Things’: A Qualitative Study Into Barriers and Facilitators to Golf Participation for Stroke Survivors

Abstract

This paper draws on interviews with four stroke survivors, who participated in a five week 'Get-into-Golf' program and four coaches with experiences of delivering disability golf sessions, to examine the barriers and facilitators to golf participation. Findings indicate a positive response from participants, who referred to the social and physical benefits of the programme that was perceived to promote independence. The results also highlight that considerations in regards to format, equipment, cost, access and overall awareness should be borne in mind for golf programmes amongst people with disabilities. Golf clubs could employ this framework to inform provision in order to facilitate the participation of people with physical limitations. It is argued that opportunities to promote golf as a lifelong physical activity among people with disabilities may be missed in clubs where personnel are unsure of the barriers and facilitators to participation outlined here.

Perceived facilitators and barriers to participation in golf for people with vision impairment: a qualitative study

“…Golf is not yet as popular among disabled people as it is among their nondisabled counterparts 7 and has high dropout rates and a small transition rate into regular participation. [13][14][15] Identifying factors that are barriers to participation is important.…”

“…18 Despite the history of VI golf dating back to 1924, participation rates remain low, 17 indicating there may be participation barriers. 7,14,19,20 This is surprising given the high rates of VI in the elderly population. There are at least 2.2 billion people that have VI or blindness, 21 and because golf is a sport that can be played at any age, the sport could be ideal for these individuals.…”

Life and Leisure Activities following Stroke or Transient Ischaemic Attack (TIA): An Observational, Multi-Centre, 6-Month Follow-Up Study

“…There is a growing body of evidence demonstrating the beneficial effects of exercise and leisure in natural, as opposed to synthetic or clinical environments [ 23 , 24 , 25 ]. Although limited, evidence from activities including golf [ 26 ] and cycling using electric bicycles [ 27 ] suggest that social engagement, physical health, and independence can be positively affected. However, further research is needed to examine stroke-specific barriers and enablers to participation in outdoor leisure activities.…”

Low back pain and golf: A review of biomechanical risk factors

“…Nearly one-third of stroke survivors experience depression partially due to a decreased capacity for participating in familiar or novel activities, while active participation is linked with improved emotional well-being. 9 In post-stroke individuals, motor abilities are often have diminished; however, the introduction of a coordinative golf training intervention resulted in increased in visual-spatial awareness, balance, and emotional well-being in post-stroke individuals. 10 Similar benefits were also reported for individuals with “severe and enduring mental health problems.…”

“…The possibility of playing golf could provide these individuals with opportunities to receive the aforementioned benefits. 9 Regardless of modifications, golf is considered a low risk and low impact sport allowing participation without a pressing fear of acute injury. While acute injuries do seldom occur, overuse injuries are most common amongst golfers.…”